A dream becomes reality: Our trip to New York

A dream becomes reality: Our trip to New York

I will remember May 28, 2017 as one of the most memorable dates of my life because with a trip to New York, my daughter realized one of her biggest dreams ever. Not just a dream for her, however, because I also imagined walking on the street looking at the tall buildings of Manhattan.

I had been to New York various times, but never with my daughter. This time we made it! We saved together until we finally had enough and I set up a big surprise. The rest is history. We enjoyed each day walking, viewing, eating pizza, sushi, donuts – everything she wanted to do.

Would you like to see how we enjoyed this New York trip? In this video you will get an idea of everything we experienced in Manhattan. I prepared the surprise by asking my daughter to come with her dad to drop me off at the airport because I had a last minute job opportunity. She came along happily until the last moment when I told her she was coming with me. About an hour later she discovered that our destination was actually New York and she couldn’t control her excitement. Jumps, hugs, kisses, and words of thanks. Everything can be seen in the video.

When traveling to New York you have the choice of three different airports: JFK, La Guardia, and Newark.

I chose Newark because it would be less crowded and less chance of delays. It was a good choice!

If you chose the same airport you can get to Manhattan via bus or train. If you take the bus you can get to Port Authority Terminal in about 40 minutes (approximately $17 for each adult and $5 for children between 5 and 11 years old.). The train costs about the same and goes from Newark Airport to Penn Station.

I suggest you stay in a hotel close to all the city attractions and get acquainted with the closest Metro station. Fortunately, that’s what we had!

Thanks to this great choice we were able to visit lots of the places on our list in New York. I can say that you would be able to walk to Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and lots of other important places.

Another great point about the hotel is hot breakfast included each morning. Waffles, eggs, sausages, bread, fruit, cereal, juice, tea, yogurt, and coffee. You can even get a box to go if you are in a hurry!

Free internet, impeccable modern facilities, excellent customer service… Did I mention each time we arrived in the lobby they served tea and we enjoyed it in our room? Sometimes with cookies.

I recommend you acquire a New York CityPASS. Not only do you save a lot on entry fees to the most important city attractions, but you also avoid long lines and enjoy benefits that regular ticket holders miss. For example, you can go to the top of Empire State* building twice in a single day (once in the day and another after 10p at night).

New York is a city full of beautiful places and fortunately most are free to visit. Central Park is one of those places where you can catch your breath between traveling and the kids can entertain themselves in an oasis in the middle of a huge city. It also includes a zoo, a carousel, and the Museum of Natural History*.

Bryant Park is another amazing place where you can spend hours looking at the surrounding buildings, trees, fountain, and while at the same time, have a cup of coffee sitting in one of many chairs. Don’t forget to visit the majestic city library located at one of the corners.

Rockefeller Plaza transforms in winter into one of the most famous ice skating rinks in the world and during warm weather offers magnificent expositions. In the same Rockefeller Center you can find another great place to visit: Top of the Rock Observation Deck* where you will find one of the most beautiful views of the city.

It is a “must” to take a walk through Times Square – where it is lit with millions of lights, giant signs, and it feels like night never arrives. Have a seat at the amazing Red Stairs located there, eat a hot dog from a cart, and get lost watching the many people passing by.

You cannot go to New York without seeing the Statue of Liberty*. Take a ferry from Liberty State Park and stop to see Ellis Island. This attraction as well as the ferry is included with your CityPASS.

Without going too far you can find the World Trade Center where the Twin Towers stood. Here you can see the new building that was built replacing the towers and the museum* dedicated to remembering the tragedy that occurred on September 11. Just a little further you will find Wall Street, the famous Charging Bull, and the “Fearless Girl” that accompanies it.

Chinatown, Little Italy, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the government buildings can be found around the same place. We enjoyed an exquisite lunch in Chinatown and got dessert in Little Italy at Ferrara. This was one of the best moments of our trip to New York.

We came up with “Dinner in Bed” each night. We got back to the hotel exhausted and the bed was waiting. We delighted watching television and remembering what we saw while tasting sushi, chocolate donuts, and tea. Every day!

Memories for the rest of our life!

Are you thinking of taking a trip to New York soon?

We would love you to share your experiences enjoying this great city!

* The attractions marked with asterisk you can find are included with a New York CityPASS.